It's February and do you know what that means?
That's right! It's pepper planting time!
February is the perfect time to start your indoor seedlings: slow-growing pepper seeds as well as flowers. Your peppers will include all of those tasty kinds: jalapenos, bell, poblanos, serranos, and more!
The flower varieties you choose need to be able to tolerate our summer temperatures. Our gardeners are especially fond of flowers that encourage pollinators and help repel unwanted pests. We listed some of our favorite crops and their best flower friends-with-benefits (AKA Companion Plants) to help you choose which varieties to get started now!
Tomatoes and Peppers
Tomatoes and peppers have many companion plants in common! Plant these companions in and around your crop to help them thrive!
Amaranth
Amaranth makes an excellent tomato companion plant because it repels pests by attracting beneficial predatory insects.
Marigold
Marigold secrete a chemical that is deadly to destructive nematodes. It doesn’t just drive away this pest, but kills the entire population for good! Tom.
Basil
Basil deters thrips and tomato hornworms. Both of those pests are severe problems to your tomato plants and thrips to your peppers.
Coriander
Coriander blooms are a nectar source for predatory insects that eat common tomato pests. Let this plant go to seed for a citrus-y home grown spice!
Borage
Borage attracts pollinating insects, so using it as a tomato and pepper companion plant ensures that your plants have all the pollinators needed.
Zinnias
Zinnias attract pollinators in droves. Honey bees, wasps and butterflies all love them. As well as ladybugs who will help you control mites and aphids!
Indoor and cold weather plants to start now
Start Indoors:
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Peppers
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Lettuces
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Broccoli
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Cauliflower
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Brussels Sprouts
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Cabbage
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Herbs
Direct Sow Outdoors
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Carrots
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Chard
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Potatoes
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Radishes
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Snap Peas
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Lettuce
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Spinach
In March...
March is coming soon! Mid march will be the prime time to start your tomatoes and eggplants so just hold on a little longer!